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Manchester United and Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have entered the race to sign much coveted Greek defender Kostas Manolas. Arsenal and Juventus are the other interested clubs.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has already confirmed that he wants to sign at least one more central defender this summer and after missing out on Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona, he feels that Kostas Manolas could be a great addition to his squad.

Reports coming from English press have confirmed the interest of Manchester United in the Olympiacos defender. The Metro report claims that: “Arsenal could miss out on a move for Kostas Manolas after both Manchester United and Bayern Munich entered the race for the defender, according to reports. Manolas has been heavily tipped to join the Gunners before the end of the summer transfer window, but with Arsenal seemingly stalling over an offer, both United and Bayern could seize their chance.”

Italian champions Juventus and Arsenal have been tracking Manolas since past few months and it was even reported in Italian media earlier this week that Juve are ready to make an initial offer of 12 million for the player. However, the entry of Manchester United and Bayern Munich is expected to increase the price of the player.

Manchester United are in the market for a world class defender after the departures of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. Thomas Vermaelen was the early favorite to join the Old Trafford club but United missed out on the Belgian as the player preferred a move to FC Barcelona instead.

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal finds himself in desperate need of central defenders and the athletic Greek defender would suit the Dutchman’s 3-5-2 formation. However, Manolas remains the secondary target of Manchester United after Daley Blind. Louis van Gaal wants to sign the Ajax player this summer but faces competition from Spanish giants FC Barcelona. And the Catalans are favorites for the signature of Blind as the player himself has said last week that La Liga is more suitable to his playing style than Premier League.

Bayern Munich received a huge set back early this week as Javi Martinez sustained a long term injury and forced the club to look for the defender elsewhere. Bayern coach Pep Guardiola wants to sign a defender to increase the depth of the squad and attractive price tag of Manolas mean that he could move for the player.

Meanwhile, Olympiacos have confirmed yesterday that Manolas will leave the club this summer. Christian Karembeu, the club’s strategic advisor said: “Juventus have made a good bid for Manolas. But English clubs are also in. We won’t sell for less than €10m (£8m).”